I feel like a fraudulent , voyeuristic marathon runner who has only just managed to jump on board a race ( holding on to his blanket) for the remaining laps ! Sadly this is my first contribution ...and it's just to say that my thoughts are with you ALL . I have spent time reading the comforting words of genuine love, warmth,hope and affection flowing from a group to a family and back again. This is a group and a family who are so bonded and I have found it all to be so very uplifting and inspirational.

Jane , Nigel and Ann are very much in my thoughts . I hope you are ALL able to find some comfort in this little poem I found which I would like to share with you . It seems to describe what MUDCAT supporters have done , are still doing and will continue to do ! I think it also reflects what Jane ,Nigel and Ann are also achieving in respect of their own lives even in such difficult times . Thank you for lightening my life through your heavy burden.

WHAT'S LIFE BY JESSICA LEE WORKMAN

Life is a challenge - meet it Life is a gift - accept it Life is a sorrow - overcome it Life is a tragedy -face it Life is a adventure -dare it Life is a duty - perform it Life is a mystery - unfold it Life is a song - sing it Life is a opportunity - take it Life is a journey - complete it Life is a promise - fulfill it Life is a beauty - praise it Life is a goal - achieve it Life is a puzzle - solve it Life is love - love it .

Welcome, David. It's never too late to join our thread. You've made quite an impact with your first post. Thank you very much for your kind & thoughtful contribution, With Love, Nigel & Ann. xxxxxxxxxx

Welcome aboard David. Nigel is quite right and I can only echo his words wth an addditional "Welcome Aboard!" Very nice post too.

And Nigel.....Did I mention ever that my name is Patrick? My parents decided that since I would probably pick up the "Pat" nickname anyway they would just simplify the whole thing. Most people are surprised when I say my name is Patrick. This used to be funny as it took a few seconds for it to sink into the person filling out the form. One lady asked me once, "Do you know that a lot of people named Patterson are called Pat?"..........What do you say to that?....LOL

spaw & frogprince - I knew a bloke named Adam years back who always used to get out his notebook & pen when someone asked "Where's Eve?" & reply "That's good, no-one has ever said that to me before, I'll write it down!"

I cannot offer much. I would I were with you. If I were I would offer you this song by the American Buddhist ne'er-do-well, Al Grierson: ____________________________________

'Til the Circle Is Complete

Both the turning of the season and the ticking of the clock Say the planet's one year older -- so are you. But I'll leave the speculation and the silly idle talk For another time and someone else to do. There'll be a celebration at the end of every street, When we claim our bread and roses, and the circle is complete. So if destiny should drag you down, or dress you up in style, May you never be too weary To walk another mile.

And may you never cease your growing, And your learning as you grow; May the things that you discover Be the things you want to know May you gain in strength through sorrow, And may all your love be true; May you turn your hand to something That you really want to do.

May your friends encounter fortune, And your comrades find release Though they see the hopes of others disappear May your parents die contented, and your children live in peace, Though the hands of desperation hold them near; Should the future find you lying with a lover by your side Or left alone with broken arms, and all your dreams denied May your footsteps ring like rifles through the darkness of defeat, May your spirit never falter, 'Til the circle is complete.

And may you never cease your growing Your learning as you grow. May the things that you discover be the things you want to know. May you gain in strength through sorrow, And may all your love be true; May you turn your hand to something That you really want to do.

May your life be like a love song in the act of every breath, Be a poem to the purpose that it serves; May you set your shoes to dancing in the hour of your death And meet it with the courage it deserves; May your shadow pass in pirouettes of such amazing grace That the tears of those who mourn you disappear without a trace. In the smoke that shapes their sorrow to the fading of your feats In a ring around the rainbow, Where the circle is complete.

And may you never cease your growing, Your learning as you grow. May the things that you discover be the things you want to know. May you gain in strength through sorrow, And may all your love be true; May you turn your hand to something That you really want to do.

Amos.......Wow.....YA' know generally I poke a bit of fun at your posts but that one is just way too good. There are some lines in it that are inspired and say things so perfectly it sorta' took my breath away. Nice piece........

Amos, thank you for reuniting me with Al Grierson. I haven't seen those words in a long time. You said you couldn't offer much...something of an understatement I think!

Thank you everyone, for being there, for checking in so regularly, for your unstinting loyalty, for your prayers, thoughts, visualisations, music links. You always manage to say the right thing at the right time. I take you with me, where ever I go, a huge flock of Guardian Angels, hovering, holding, protecting, loving.

The Palliative Care Team said that Jane could die at any time. What time does she have left? Minutes, Hours, Days...no one knows. Ann & I are spending as much time with her as we can, but now the news is out, relatives & friends are wanting to visit in ever increasing numbers, so time alone with Jane is a precious commodity indeed. Stay close, My Dear Friends, With Love, Nigel & Ann. xxxxxxxxxx

Dear Nigel and Ann - many stand with you in your vigil, many of us have known what it is to stand by and wait for a loved one's passing, knowing it is inevitable. We are with you in spirit through this dark and difficult journey as Jane makes her way to the other side, where we all will go sooner or later.

yes it is an emotional roller coaster.you just dont know.my mum lived much longer than anticipated and each day is precious but it was very draining.i hope the outpouring of love by your friends gives strength,nigel.

that was a beautiful song alison.i listened to their rendition of "hard times" too.

A few years back, I got a call saying that my wife had had a traffic incident on the way home from work. Not speaking of a tragedy here. She had slipped into insulin reaction, and a young woman deputy sheriff spotted her weaving around the road, fortunately at low speed. The deputy got enough look to surmise the sort of problem, and nudged my wife's car into the ditch where it stalled. The car had only minor damage on the side, and my wife was unhurt. Later that night the deputy herself came to our house to see if my wife was ok. She mentioned the feeling that my wife's guardian angel was on duty that evening. I said yes, I know she was. That was when I hugged a deputy sheriff big time.

Some of us may be raggedy excuses for guardian angels, but for what we're worth, we're not going anywhere.

A simple, but heartfelt thank you. Words are not coming easily, thoughts & emotions are overwhelming me. We were able to spend only a few minutes with Jane yesterday. She could listen, but not really speak, responding with the occasional nod. It is beyond my understanding how Jane clings so tenaciously to life. 'There are Angels Hovering Around', it's always the Music that goes right to the heart of the matter for me. Allison, love you for that link. With Much Love to You All, Nigel & Ann. xxxxxxxxx

This is truly the hardest part Nigel. No way to heal a wound still being inflicted. I've been there and done that and this is the worst of times for all of you......Jane too. That so hurts me to say, but I know it true.

Love and Hope that Jane's pain is eased as she so well deserves. We all love you and I know all of this motley crew sends their best and cover you with the warmest of blankets.

Nigel and Ann, Dear Ones, keep singing and talking her through this, as you are able. Hearing is the last faculty to go...it's of great comfort. There are groups around the usa who sing people through their final leaving and there have been feelings of great relief for those left behind, also.

Yes, this is the hardest part. You've all been there with your own Families & Friends. It's different for each & every one of us, but there is a commonality that binds us close when a Life is gradually slipping away. The Palliative Care Team have revised their estimate. They are now expecting Jane to live on for another seven to ten days. Looks like our Darling Daughter is in no rush to "slough off this mortal coil". Thank you for the PMs; the emails. Thank you all for accompanying Ann & myself on our voyage.Thank you for making this final vigil so calm & tranquil. I said some time ago that our Thread will continue after Jane has died. Ann & I would like to dedicate it to her memory & to the memory of all those special departed who leave unfilled voids in all our lives. With Much Love from our Hearts to Yours, Nigel & Ann. xxxxxxxxxx

I would think it wholly appropriate Nigel and we will need a new thread title when that time comes. I'd thought of the idea myself but felt I'd wait to bring it up but the idea certainly gets my vote. I'll bet it gets everyones vote.

What news of Billy? Anyone else with some updates? I will let you all know more in a day or two on my part.

Spaw... I kinda think I know what you have in mind, if I may be so bold as to say so. If I am correct, my vote is cast. Of course, there is only one vote and that belongs to the person who starts the thread, if he wants to start a new thread... he may not... and that is, of course, Nigel.m He may wish to continue this thread with an "update in the title" or whatever he might think of.

"I said some time ago that our Thread will continue after Jane has died. Ann & I would like to dedicate it to her memory & to the memory of all those special departed who leave unfilled voids in all our lives."